SECRET TREASURES

Lunching at the Louvre

It's hard to believe that touring the prestigious Pompidou would work up such an appetite, but by noon on Saturday, our group was famished. Paris is known for it's hidden secrets and the one at the  Louvre surprised us all. On the rue de Louvre with it's pedimented classical facade, you can continue your walk along the gardens that extend past the once royal and later imperial palace. The gardens of the Tulleries and Carrousel form a city walk past the Palais du Louvre.  Before the great Promenade sits a terrace restaurant, Le Saut de Loop, and that is where the company had arranged for us to lunch.  The photo above is a carpaccio of salmon with a creamy dijon mayonnaise.  The salad had the most delicious balsamic dressing that gave it a wonderful piquant flavor.  So elegant, fresh, and colorful, it was a perfect meal to have on the terrace while enjoying the sunshine.

Hubby's company does nothing half-measure, including the free-flowing wine and champagne.  I reckon that they want the word to go back to the company offices that the reward for creativity and problem-solving is one that all employees should strive for. Moèt & Chandon sparkled in the afternoon sun and I can tell you, it hardly mattered after the first two glasses what they served because in my humble opinion, the French champagne, by far, was superior to any thing else on the menu.

But, I have to tell you that the 2008 Chardonnay, Grand Ardèche, from the Rhòne Alpes will always have my gratitude.  What a delightful wine.  I highly recommend it if, like me, you prefer a white over a red.  Oh heck, I'd highly recommend it even if you prefer reds!

Do you love chocolate?

I have no idea why it was shaped like it was, with all of the little triangles on the top.  This, my chocolate lover friends, was vanilla ice cream with a tiramisu center, covered in milk chocolate-- and let me just say that it didn't disappoint.  Oh, my, it was sooooo delicious!  

Once the coffee was completed, all that was left to do was to work off all of those extra calories.  The Westin is next to the rue de Louvre on the left side of this photo.  The beautiful gardens surrounded us as we made our way back to our hotel.

One could really get used to this lifestyle.


 I have already given the husband "the ultimatum."  How can you raise a gals expectations by raising the bar so high and then not continue to follow through the next year?

I have no idea where the "2011 Patent and Innovation Awards" weekend will be held, but darn, I want expect that he does everything he can to see that we attend. 

 Not that isn't too much to ask, is it? (wink, wink...)